Essential Poetry

In this story the child is invited on a journey to meet a mythical creature named the Need Gnome. The child will engage immediately with the narrator who introduces this unique and mysterious main character. “THE NEED GNOME” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that this character represents a safe space where stating needs is not only accepted but encouraged. This is a story for all times of the day because its theme is a supportive one.

In this story the child is invited on a penny day outing. A penny day outing is all about how many fabulous and fun items can be purchased for one-hundred pennies. The child will engage naturally as the narrator shares ideas of how many choices there are for the cost of one-hundred pennies. "The Penny Day Outing” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will be invited to collect and count coins. This is a opportunity for teaching through entertainment on numerous levels.

In this story the child is invited on a journey into the galaxy where wonders never cease. This is a galaxy where love, acceptance, and unconditional support reign supreme. “THE FAMILY STAR” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that they are always in good company as Stars are personified in a unique and brilliant way. It is a fascinating opportunity to look upon a galaxy of stars in their seemingly infinite number and feel comforted by their resilience and tenacity.

In this story the child is invited on a journey to a magical place. The narrator welcomes the child on a voyage that is complete with the theme of inclusion throughout. It is a place where peace and harmony reign supreme. “The Inclusive All” offers a standing invitation to the child. The child will learn that they can actively engage with literature that is also entertaining. This is story for all times of day because it is characterized by the freedom of joy and happiness.

Engaging closely with the violence, oppression, and injustice that she witnessed in her lifetime, Muriel Rukeyser was one of the seminal poets of the mid-twentieth century. Closely informed by issues relating to equality, social justice, feminism, and Judaism, her impassioned poetry was often seen as a mode of social protest, but it was also heralded for its deep emotional impact. The Essential Muriel Rukeyser represents the curation of Rukeyser’s most enduring and urgent work, gathered in one volume that spans the many decades of her life and career.

The tragic poem, dominated by the themes of lust, crime, and revenge, tells the story of soldiers Tarquin and Collatine, and Collatine's wife Lucrece. It is believed to have been written in 1594. It is set just prior to the establishment of the Roman Republic. It is a poem with some similarity to Shakespeare's tragic revenge play, Titus Andronicus, and features aspects of other great Shakespearian works.